Hobgood Park in Woodstock will soon light up with Christmas spirit when the second annual Holiday Lights of Hope kicks off Dec. 12.

The week-and-a-half long event ending Dec. 21 will benefit the Anna Crawford Children’s Center in Canton, and will feature a large walk through light area sponsored by Georgia Power with more than 500,000 LED lights on display.

Kids 14 and younger get in free and adults will be charged $10, with all proceeds going to the Canton non-profit center, which helps children struggling with abuse. The event will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. each night.

Through a partnership with Cherokee High School’s vocational program, students will show off impressive holiday displays including a 30-foot-tall Christmas-light tree, a 17-foot-tall reindeer and a 15-foot-tall snowman family.

Jason Hefner, chair of the Anna Crawford Children’s Center board, said the event is sure to get many into the spirit of the season.

“This event allows families to come out and have fun while benefiting a great cause as a hometown Christmas tradition,” Hefner said. “My own kids had a blast here last year and came out multiple days.”

Besides being fun for the family, Hefner said Holiday Lights of Hope can benefit abused children.

“We have saw a large turnout last year, drawing roughly 12,000 people. This year, there will be a Christmas maze sponsored by Chick-fil-A, offering more than 5,000 feet of lights with twists and turns to navigate,” Hefner said. “The maze is open to all ages who dare to enter.”

Santa Claus will be in the Southern Assurance Santa village free-of-charge for families who wish to take photos and visit old Saint Nick. Children may also enjoy the kids’ area, which offers a bounce house, games, toys and prizes.

Vendors will be selling gifts, offering Christmas and other unique items. Those attending can also enjoy concessions, seasonal food and beverages for sale. Live music to commemorate the holiday spirit will include singing and carolers.

For more information or to volunteer, visit the Holiday Lights of Hope website at www.holidaylightsofhope.com. Hobgood Park is at 6688 Bells Ferry Road in Woodstock.

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